The Sixth Sunday of Easter
A Service of Ordination
May 5th, 2024

Opening Acclamation
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Processional
Come Thou Fount (Robert Robinson)

Come, thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above.

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above.


The Presentation of the Candidates
Edward Vaughan, Bishop in the Church of God, on behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese of St. Patrick, we present to you Pam Harmon and Jordan Fairback to be ordained deacons in Christ's holy catholic Church.

We present to you Dakota Bradley to be ordained a priest in Christ’s holy catholic Church.

Have they been selected in accordance with the canons of this Church? And do you believe their manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this ministry?

We certify to you that they have satisfied the requirements of the canons, and we believe them to be qualified for this order.

Will you be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?

We are willing and ready to do so; and we solemnly declare that we do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and we do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Anglican Free Communion International.

Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this ministry, and the weight of your responsibility in presenting Pam and Jordan for ordination to the sacred order of deacons, and Dakota Bradley to the sacred priesthood. Therefore if any of you know any impediment or crime because of which we should not proceed, come forward now, and make it known.

Is it your will that Pam and Jordan be ordained deacons, and that Bradley be ordained a priest?
It is.

Will you uphold them in this ministry?
We will.

The Litany for Ordinations
In peace let us pray to the Lord.

God the Father,
Have mercy on us.

God the Son,
Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

We pray to you, Lord Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the Day of your Coming, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all members of your Church in their vocation and ministry, that they may serve you in a true and godly life, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For Edward Vaughan, our Presiding Bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may be filled with your love, may hunger for truth, and may thirst after righteousness, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those in positions of public trust, that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord our God.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.


The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray. O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were being cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


The Ministry of the Word

First Lesson                       Jeremiah 1:4-9

The Lord’s word came to me:

“Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I made you a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak because I’m only a child.” The Lord responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’ Where I send you, you must go; what I tell you, you must say. Don’t be afraid of them,  because I’m with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Then the Lord stretched out his hand, touched my mouth, and said to me, “I’m putting my words in your mouth.”

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


The Psalm               Psalm 98

Sing to the Lord a new *song,
For he has done marvelous *things:
His right hand and his holy *arm
have worked salvation for *him.

The Lord has made his salvation *known
and revealed his righteousness to the *nations.
He has remembered his love and faithfulness to *Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen his sal*vation.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the *earth,
burst into jubilant song with *music:
make music to the Lord with the *harp,
with the harp and the sound of *singing.

Let the sea resound, and everything *in it,
The world, and all who live *in it.
Let the rivers clap their *hands,
Let the mountains sing together for *joy.

Let them sing before the *Lord,
For he comes to judge the *earth.
He will judge the world in *righteousness
and the peoples with *equity.

Glory be to the Father and to the *Son
And to the Holy *Spirit
As it was in the be*ginning
Is now and ever shall be, A*men

Second Lesson                  Acts 6:2-7

The Twelve called a meeting of all the disciples and said, “It isn’t right for us to set aside proclamation of God’s word in order to serve tables. Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. As for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and the service of proclaiming the word.” This proposal pleased the entire community. They selected Stephen, a man endowed by the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. The community presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. God’s word continued to grow. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly. Even a large group of priests embraced the faith.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation
Hold Out Your Hand (Brandi Carlile)

Hold out your hand
Take hold of mine and then
'Round and 'round we go
Don't you wanna dance?
I'm a dying man
From the moment we began
Hold out your hand


The Gospel Reading          Luke 22:24-27

+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to S. Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

An argument broke out among the disciples over which one of them should be regarded as the greatest.

But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ But that’s not the way it will be with you. Instead, the greatest among you must become like a person of lower status and the leader like a servant. So which one is greater, the one who is seated at the table or the one who serves at the table? Isn’t it the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.


Gospel Acclamation
Hold Out Your Hand (Brandi Carlile)

Hold out your hand
Take hold of mine and then
'Round and 'round we go
Don't you wanna dance?
I'm a dying man
From the moment we began
Hold out your hand


The Sermon          

 
The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
+ the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

The Examination of the Deacons
My sisters, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.

As deacons in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself.

My sisters, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to the life and work of a deacon?
We believe we are so called.

Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?
We do.

Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop?
We will.

Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures?
We will.

Will you look for Christ in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need?
We will.

Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to all people?
We will.

Will you in all things seek not your glory but the glory of the Lord Christ?
We will.

May the Lord by his grace uphold you in the service he lays upon you.
Amen.


The Examination of the Priest

My brother, the Church is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world. Now you are called to work as pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the Church.

As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. You are to preach, to declare God's forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God's blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ's Body and Blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to you.

In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ's people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come. My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to this priesthood?
I believe I am so called.

Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?
I do.

Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop?
I will.

Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?
I will.

Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
I will.

Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?
I will.

Will you do your best to pattern your life and that of your community in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
I will.

Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit?
I will.

May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.
Amen.

The Consecration of the Deacons
Trinity Song (Sandra McCracken)
Instrumental

O God, most merciful Father, we praise you for sending your Son Jesus Christ, who took on himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself, becoming obedient even to death on the cross. We praise you that you have highly exalted him, and made him Lord of all; and that, through him, we know that whoever would be great must be servant of all. We praise you for the many ministries in your Church, and for calling these your servants to the order of deacons.

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to Pam and Jordan; fill them with grace and power, and make them deacons in your Church.

Make them, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let their lives and teachings so reflect your commandments, that through them many may come to know you and love you. As your Son came not to be served but to serve, may these deacons share in Christ's service, and come to the unending glory of him who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Receive this Bible as the sign of your authority to proclaim God's Word and to assist in the ministration of his holy Sacraments.

The Consecration of the Priest

Trinity Song (Sandra McCracken)

Holy Father, Son and Spirit
Holy Communion, Three in One

Come with your peace, with your invitation
Bind us together in holy Love.

God and Father of all, we praise you for your infinite love in calling us to be a holy people in the kingdom of your Son Jesus our Lord, who is the image of your eternal and invisible glory, the firstborn among many brethren, and the head of the Church. We thank you that by his death he has overcome death, and, having ascended into heaven, has poured his gifts abundantly upon your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the building up of his body.

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, give your Holy Spirit to Dakota; fill him with grace and power, and make him a priest in your Church.

May he exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make him a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor. Grant that in all things he may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Receive this Bible as a sign of the authority given you to preach the Word of God and to administer his holy Sacraments. Do not forget the trust committed to you as a priest of the Church of God.

The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.


Song of Preparation
Slow Me Down (The Porter’s Gate)

Oh, good shepherd, would you teach me how to rest
I'm rushing on, will you make me to lie down
Will you build a fold by the waters that refresh
Will you call my name and lead me safely out

From my anxious drive to labor on and on
From the restless grind that has put my mind to sleep
Will you call me back and gently slow me down
Will you show me now what to lose and what to keep

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down

When my table's bent with only greed and gold
And my grasping hands are afraid you won't provide
Will you pour the wine that loosens up my hold
Set your table here with what truly satisfies

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down

From the busy streets trying to make myself a name
If the work is yours, there is nothing I can claim
Will you lead me home to the pastures of your peace
And the house is yours, I'm sitting at your feet

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down


Presentation Hymn
Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise him, all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heav’nly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen

About Communion
On the night Jesus washed his disciples feet and promised to overcome the troubles of this world, he gave his friends a meal to remember their belonging to him and to one another. Friends of Jesus have continued to celebrate this communion meal since that night, and this table is open to all who desire the belonging and peace of Jesus.

Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available if you have those health needs. An usher will invite you to approach the kneelers to receive the meal. If for any reason you’re not prepared to join us, you’re welcome to remain in your seat. If coming to the front is physically difficult for you, please let an usher know and the elements will be brought to you. If you’d like to come up and simply receive a blessing, you can put your arms across your chest and a prayer of peace will be prayed over you.

Celebrating at the Lord’s Table
Be present, be present, Lord Jesus Christ our risen high priest; make yourself known in the breaking of bread.
Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Father, Lord of all creation, we praise you for your goodness and your love. When we turned away you did not reject us. You came to meet us in your Son, welcomed us as your children and prepared a table where we might feast with you. In Christ you shared our life that we might live in him and he in us.

He opened wide his arms upon the cross and, with love stronger than death, he made the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Lord Jesus Christ, our redeemer, on the night before you died you came to the table with your friends. Taking bread, you gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

Lord Jesus, we bless you: you are the bread of life.

At the end of supper you took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.

Lord Jesus, we bless you: you are the true vine.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ:
Dying, you destroyed our death, rising, you restored our life; Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Holy Spirit, giver of life, come upon us now; may this bread and wine be to us the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us, who know our need of grace, one in Christ, our risen Lord.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Blessed Trinity: with your whole Church throughout the world we offer you this sacrifice of thanks and praise and lift our voice to join the song of heaven, for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,
God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.

Thanks be to you, our God, for your gift beyond words.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

As our Savior Christ has taught us, so we pray:

The Lord’s Prayer          

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.

The Breaking of the Bread
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.
We being many are one body, for we all share in one bread.

The Invitation
Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you. Remember that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

Communion Music
Jesus I Am Resting, Resting (Jean Sophia Pigott)

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee, as thy beauty fills my soul,
For by thy transforming power, thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

O how great thy lovingkindness, vaster, broader sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is thine,
Know thy certainty of promise and have made it mine.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus, I behold thee as thou art,
And thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings: thine is love indeed.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

Ever lift thy face upon me as I work and thee;
Resting 'neath thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory, sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting, fill me with thy grace.

Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.


I Shall Not Want (Audrey Assad, Bryan Brown)

From the love of my own comfort
From the fear of having nothing
From a life of worldly passions
Deliver me, O God

From the need to be understood
From the need to be accepted
From the fear of being lonely
Deliver me, O God
Deliver me, O God

I shall not want, no I shall not want
When I taste your goodness I shall not want
When I taste your goodness I shall not want

From the fear of serving others
From the fear of death or trial
From the fear of humility
Deliver me, O God
Deliver me, O God

I shall not want, no I shall not want
When I taste your goodness I shall not want
I shall not want, no I shall not want
When I taste your goodness I shall not want
When I taste your goodness I shall not want

I shall not want
I shall not want


The Great Silence


The Prayer After Communion
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that Jordan, Pam, and Dakota may be to us effective examples in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with them, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his face toward you, and give you peace. And the blessing of God, in the name of the + Father, Son, and Spirit be with you now and remain with you always.

The Recessional
Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (Jennie Wilson)

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Trust in him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to him cling.

Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away

Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.


The Dismissal
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.